The French government deployed anti-riot police, the Republican Security Companies (CRS) 8, to Martinique on Sunday in response to ongoing protests against the rising cost of living on the French Caribbean island.
The deployment marks the first time CRS units have been sent to Martinique since their ban in December 1959, following violent protests in Fort-de-France that drew widespread criticism for heavy-handed police intervention. CRS 8, established in July 2021, is designed “to be involved in urban violence and high-intensity law enforcement operations,” according to France’s Ministry of the Interior.
Since early September 2024, demonstrations have begun around the island over the rising cost of living. According to the French statistical agency, l’Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques, consumer prices in Martinique were approximately 14 percent higher than in mainland France as of 2022. The discontent has spilled over to nearby Guadeloupe, where demonstrations have also been reported.
In response, the French government imposed an evening curfew on Thursday represented by the Prefect of Martinique. The government’s statement also documented that 27 people had been arrested since the demonstrations began. Authorities have also set up several roadblocks to manage movement around protests sites, while several gunshots were fired at police during the unrest.
The prefect issued an order banning demonstrations in Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Ducos and Le Robert beginning on Friday until Monday. In a press release on Saturday, the prefect promised to continue addressing the island’s cost of living crisis while also asking for peace amongst the community.
On Monday, the prefect announceed a “major security operation was deployed on Saturday and Sunday,” which likely referenced to the deployment of CRS 8 in addition to an effort to use “internal security forces.” A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 AM to provide further updates on the situation.
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